United News of Bangladesh

The vote counting in the much-awaited Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections began on Tuesday afternoon after voting ended amid a peaceful environment. Voting began around 8am and it continued till 4pm without any break. According to the Election Commission sources, approximately 80 percent of votes have been cast in the DUCSU election. According to the latest information, in Zahurul Huq Hall, there are 1963 voters with a turnout of 83.43 percent. A total of 1658 votes have been cast. In SM Hall, there are 665 voters, 552 votes cast with a turnout of 82.93 percent. In Jagannath Hall, there are 2222 voters and 1831 votes cast, with a turnout of 82.45 percent. In Rokeya Hall, there are 5676 voters and 3907 votes cast with a turnout of 69 percent. In Suhrawardy Udyan, there are 4433 voters, with 2947 votes cast with a turnout of 66.48 percent. DUCSU not comparable with national polls, yet can serve as model: Adviser In Surja Sen Hall, there are 1498 voters and 1316 votes cast, with a turnout of 88 percent. In Kabi Jashim Uddin Hall, there are 1303 voters and 1117 votes cast, with a turnout of 86 percent. In Zia Hall, there are 1753 voters and 1315 votes cast, representing a turnout of 75 percent. In Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, there are 1609 voters and 1393 votes cast, a turnout of 87 percent. Earlier, Chief Returning Officer Professor Dr Md Jasim Uddin told reporters that voting in the DUCSU and hall union elections concluded with no major incidents reported throughout the day. Students cast their vote spontaneously and the overall atmosphere at polling centres was peaceful, he said. Voter turnout was huge and spontaneous, report our correspondents from different polling centers. The voting continued amid candidates from rival panels accusing each other of violating electoral code of conduct. Voters who were in the queues at 4pm will be allowed to cast votes. No major irregularities in DUCSU polls, voting underway smoothly: Chief Returning Officer Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan claimed that there was no lack of transparency in the elections. After visiting three polling centres at the Senate Bhaban around 3pm, the VC said more than 70 percent of votes were cast at various centres. A total of 471 candidates contested for 28 positions in this year’s Ducsu election. Among the candidates 48 vied for the post of Vice President (VP), 19 for General Secretary (GS), and 25 for Assistant General Secretary (AGS). For the post of Liberation War and Democratic Movement Secretary, there are 17 candidates. For Common Room, Reading Room, and Cafeteria Secretary, 11 candidates are contesting, while 14 ran for International Affairs Secretary. Besides, 19 candidates contested for Literature and Cultural Secretary, 12 for Science and Technology Secretary, 9 for Research and Publication Secretary, 13 for Sports Secretary and 12 for Student Transport Secretary. For the post of Social Service Secretary, there were 17 candidates; Health and Environment Secretary, 15; Human Rights and Law Secretary, 11; and Career Development Secretary, 15. This time, for the member posts, a total of 217 candidates competed. Over the past several days, candidates ran vibrant campaigns in a festive atmosphere, employing creative methods to win over voters.  

Voting in the much-anticipated DUCSU and hall unions elections began on Tuesday morning amid much enthusiasm among students-for many this is the first experience of voting free from fear. The entire nation has its eyes on the DUCSU election as it is going to seen an election after a gap of six years which is the continuation of a legacy deeply embedded in the nation’s political and social evolution. The voting will continue till 4pm at eight polling stations. A total of 471 candidates are contesting for 28 positions in this year’s Ducsu election. Over the past 13 days, candidates ran vibrant campaigns in a festive atmosphere, employing creative methods to win over voters. A total of 39,775 students are set to cast their votes in the elections. Among the registered voters, 20,873 are male students while 18,902 are female students. Among the candidates 48 are vying for the post of Vice President (VP), 19 for General Secretary (GS), and 25 for Assistant General Secretary (AGS). For the post of Liberation War and Democratic Movement Secretary, there are 17 candidates. For Common Room, Reading Room, and Cafeteria Secretary, 11 candidates are contesting, while 14 are running for International Affairs Secretary. Besides, 19 candidates are contesting for Literature and Cultural Secretary, 12 for Science and Technology Secretary, 9 for Research and Publication Secretary, 13 for Sports Secretary and 12 for Student Transport Secretary. DU VC vows maximum transparency in Tuesday's DUCSU elections For the post of Social Service Secretary, there are 17 candidates; Health and Environment Secretary, 15; Human Rights and Law Secretary, 11; and Career Development Secretary, 15. This time, for the member posts, a total of 217 candidates will compete. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken stringent security measures to ensure order during the polls. The security measures include check-posts at campus gates, regular patrols, deployment of officers with body cameras, SWAT teams, bomb disposal squads, intelligence units, CCTV surveillance and patrol by special forces. Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have joined duty. A total of 1,771 police officers were deployed on Monday while another 2,096 are scheduled to be deployed today. Traffic restrictions were enforced in and around Shahbagh, High Court, Nilkhet, Shahidullah Hall and Polashi roads during the election period. Commuters are advised to use alternative routes. DU goes under security blanket ahead of Tuesday’s DUCSU polls  Besides, an arms ban has been imposed in the DMP area from 8 pm on September 8 until 12 pm on September 11. Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan has reaffirmed the university’s commitment to conducting this year’s Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) elections with the utmost transparency and security. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Professor Niaz said, “We want to conduct this year’s DUCSU elections with the highest level of transparency — and transparency will be our greatest strength.” He mentioned that despite various challenges, the university administration has successfully overcome obstacles in cooperation with all stakeholders. In a bid to ensure transparency and build student confidence, the vote count for the DUCSU and Hall Parliament elections will be broadcast live on LED screens installed outside each polling station. Professor Dr Mohammad Zashim Uddin, Chief Returning Officer of the DUCSU election, confirmed the move in a statement Sunday night, highlighting efforts to make the electoral process more open and credible. The Election Commission announced that bags, mobile phones, smartwatches, electronic devices, water bottles, or any liquid substances will not be allowed inside polling centers. Army denies any role in DUCSU polls, warns against propaganda Besides, the University authorities will operate a special shuttle service on election day to facilitate student voters' movement across campus. The special shuttle will run in a circular route from 7:45 am to 3:50 pm on September 9, covering major campus points including the Geology Department, Curzon Hall, Shahbagh, TSC, Udayan School, Teachers' Club, ULAB School and College, Senate Building, and Physical Education Center.  

The Appellate Divison on Wednesday upheld the order of the chamber judge that had stayed the High Court directive suspending the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election until October 30. A seven-member bench of the Appellate Division led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed passed the order after hearing a petition. With this, there is no bar to hold the DUCSU election as per its scheduled date on September 9. DU expels student over ‘gang-rape’ threat to DUCSU petitioner Advocate Mohammad Shishir Manir stood for the DU while Advocate Ahsanul Karim and Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua stood for the writ petitioner and Barrister Imran A Siddique represented GS candidate SM Farhad. Earlier, Dhaka University authorities filed a petition seeking stay on the High Court order on Tuesday. Later, the Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division extended its earlier decision till Wednesday (Sept 3). The chamber judge of the Appellate Division on Monday stayed the High Court order within an hour that had suspended the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election until October 30. Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Justice Farah Mahbub passed the order after hearing a petition filed by the Dhaka University authorities seeking stay on the High Court order. Earlier, a writ petition was filed challenging the candidacy of SM Farhad as the general secretary (GS) of Islami Chhatra Shibir in the DUCSU election. Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua stood for the petitioner. The HC also wanted to know the process of nominating candidates in the DUCSU election scrutiny of the nomination and preparation process of the election. The DUCSU election was scheduled to be held on September 9. DUCSU election: high court drama, student protests, bullying of women key issue BM Fahmida Alam, liberation war and democratic movement’s affairs secretary candidate from the left alliance panel, filed the petition challenging the eligibility of SM Farhad, general secretary (GS) candidate from the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panel. Soon after the HC order, the university authorities filed a petition challenging the order. According to the final list published on August 26, it shows that the final number of candidates for the election stands at 471. Among them, 28 candidates withdrew their candidatures willingly while the nomination papers of 10 candidates declared invalid as they did not file any appeal petitions. According to the final list, there were supposed to be 45 candidates for the position of Vice President (VP), 19 candidates for the position of General Secretary (GS) and 25 candidates for the position of Assistant General Secretary (AGS).  

The Appellate Division on Monday stayed the High Court order within an hour that had postponed the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election until October 30. Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Justice Farah Mahbub passed the order after hearing a petition filed by the Dhaka University authorities seeking stay on the High Court order. Advocate Mohammad Shishir Monir stood for the petitioner. Shishir Monir said now there is no bar to holding the DUCSU election. Earlier, in the day, the High Court stayed until October 30 the DUCSU election, scheduled to be held on September 9. The HC bench of Justice Md Habibul Gani and Justice Sk Tahsin Ali passed the order after hearing a writ petition filed by an election candidate. Earlier, a writ petition was filed challenging the candidacy of SM Farhad as the general secretary (GS) of Islami Chhatra Shibir in the DUCSU election. Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua stood for the petitioner. The HC also wanted to know the process of nominating candidates in the DUCSU election, scrutiny of the nomination and preparation process of the election. The DUCSU election was scheduled to be held on September 9. No classes, exams at DU from Sept 7 to 10 for Ducsu polls BM Fahmida Alam, liberation war and democratic movement’s affairs secretary candidate from the left alliance panel, filed the petition challenging the eligibility of SM Farhad, general secretary (GS) candidate from the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panel. Soon after the HC order, the university authorities filed a petition challenging the order. According to the final list published on August 26, it shows that the final number of candidates for the election stands at 471. Among them, 28 candidates withdrew their candidatures willingly while the nomination papers of 10 candidates declared invalid as they did not file any appeal petitions. Ducsu polls: JCD unveils 10-point manifesto promising changes According to the final list, there were supposed to be 45 candidates for the position of Vice President (VP), 19 candidates for the position of General Secretary (GS) and 25 candidates for the position of Assistant General Secretary (AGS).  

A total of 462 candidates have been primarily declared eligible for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections. Chief Returning Officer Professor Jasim Uddin shared the information at a press conference held at the university's Senate building on Thursday night. Professor Jasim Uddin informed that 47 nomination papers were declared invalid due to various discrepancies including incorrect voter numbers, name mismatches, registration errors, and missing or incorrect signatures. He added that those whose nominations were suspended may appeal to the Election Commission by August 23, 2025. Umama announces independent panel for DUCSU polls Appeals submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. The final decision on appeals will be announced after scrutiny on August 24, he added. The chief returning officer also revealed that no female candidates are contesting for three positions, including Student Transport Secretary. Candidates by Post: Vice President (VP): 43 candidates (5 female) General Secretary (GS): 18 candidates (1 female) Assistant General Secretary (AGS): 24 candidates (4 female) Festive mood sweeps DU campus as Ducsu polls approach Liberation War and Student Movement Secretary: 14 (1 female) Science and Technology Secretary: 10 (1 female) Career Development Secretary: 7 (2 female) Social Service Secretary: 13 (1 female) Human Rights and Law Secretary: 8 (3 female) Health and Environment Secretary: 12 (3 female) Student Transport Secretary: 9 (no female) Sports Secretary: 12 (1 female) Research and Publication Secretary: 7 (4 female) Common Room, Reading Room, Cafeteria Secretary: 2 male, 9 female What makes DUCSU a leadership incubator? International Secretary: 15 (1 female) Literature Secretary: 17 (2 female) Member: 191 male, 24 female (total 215) In total, 402 male and 60 female candidates were initially cleared for the election. Hall Sangsad Elections: In the hall-level elections, 1,108 candidates have been deemed valid, while one nomination paper has been suspended. Campaign Guidelines: Professor Jasim Uddin also outlined strict regulations ahead of the elections. From August 21 to September 10, candidates and their supporters are prohibited from engaging in any voluntary service activities, distributing gifts, offering financial help, or organising entertainment programmes on campus. DUCSU and Hall Sangsad Elections: A look into the contenders and campaigns Such acts will be treated as violations of the DUCSU election code of conduct. In addition, campaign activities within halls and on campus grounds are banned until August 25. Campaigning may officially begin on August 26, 2025. “Any breach of these rules will lead to disciplinary action,” said Professor Jasim Uddin.

The nomination collection for the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) and Hall Sangsad elections officially closed on Monday, wrapping up a busy week of intense activities on the campus. Intending contestants collected nomination papers during August 12-18 with the last date for submission set for 3pm on August 19. Nomination papers were available at the office of DUCSU Chief Returning Officer Professor Mohammad Jasim Uddin, located on the third floor of the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, between 10am and 4pm daily. The final list of candidates will be published at 1pm on August 21 after scrutiny. 565 DUCSU Nomination Papers Collected; 1,226 for Hall Sangsads A total of 565 nomination papers have been collected for the upcoming DUCSU elections. On the final day alone, 442 candidates collected their papers, according to the Chief Returning Officer. Besides, 1,226 nominations were collected for the Hall Sangsad elections across 18 residential halls. This surge reflects the high level of student engagement ahead of the much-anticipated polls. Alliances and Panels: Who’s Contesting for What Chhatra Dal Yet to Announce Full Panel: Although Chhatra Dal leaders collected nomination papers individually, the organisation is yet to finalise or announce its full panel by the end of the nomination period. According to sources, the final panel may be revealed later. Among those who collected nomination forms are Mominul Islam Jisan, Joint General Secretary (Central) of Chhatra Dal, who is contesting for Vice President (VP). Other candidates include Abidul Islam Khan (DU Branch), Tanvir Bari Hamim (Kabi Jasimuddin Hall), Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed (Bijoy Ekattor Hall), and central leaders such as Zarif Rahman, Imam Hasen Anik, and others. Islami Chhatra Shibir Announces Full Panel: Islami Chhatra Shibir was among the first to announce a complete 28-member panel. Their nominations include representation from ethnic minorities, injured participants in the July mass uprising, and members from AAP Bangladesh and Inqilab Mancha. Key candidates are Abu Sadiq Kayem (VP), SM Farhad and Mohiuddin Khan (GS) and (AGS) respectively. Portfolio candidates include Iqbal Haider (Science & Technology), Fatima Tasnim Juma (Liberation War & Democratic Movement), Umme Salma (Common Room, Reading Room & Cafeteria), and others across health, law, research, sports, and culture. Left Alliance Fielding Imi and Basu: The Left Alliance has also declared a panel, with Sheikh Iti Afroz Imi standing for Vice President, and Meghmallar Basu, president of the Dhaka University unit of Bangladesh Students’ Union, contesting for General Secretary. Jabir Ahmed Jubel has been nominated for AGS. Their alliance includes candidates from the Students' Union, Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, Biplobi Chhatra Maitree, Pahari Chhatra Parishad, Student Council, and Ganotantrik Chhatra Mancha. More names are expected to be released on Tuesday (19 August), including candidates for portfolio-based secretarial positions. Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad Holds Off Panel Declaration BAGCHAS, contesting under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Sangsad, has confirmed participation but withheld the final panel announcement. According to Zahid Ahsan, central member secretary, the panel line-up is still under discussion. However, sources indicate Abdul Quader may run for VP, Abu Baker Majumder for GS, and Ashrefah Khatun for AGS. Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad Enters the Race: Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad announced its panel on Monday afternoon. Key candidates are Bin Yamin Molla (VP), Sabina Yasmin (GS) and Rakibul Islam (AGS). The panel also includes candidates for Science & Technology, Social Services, Sports, Law, Health, and Publications secretaries. Umama Fatima Leads Independent Panel Prominent anti-discrimination activist Umama Fatima has launched an independent panel, collecting nomination papers on Monday. Her likely candidacy for VP may be joined by Al Sadi Bhuiyan for GS and Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahi (President of the DU Journalists’ Association) for AGS. The complete panel is expected to be announced on Tuesday. NCP and Jamaluddin Form Joint Panel: A joint panel led by Jamaluddin Muhammad Khalid, Convener of the Independent Bangladesh Students’ Union, and Mahin Sarkar of the National Chitizen Party (NCP), has been formed. Fateha Sharmin Annie is expected to run for AGS. Election Process and Timeline: Following the submission deadline on 19 August, nomination scrutiny will take place, and the final list of candidates will be published on 21 August at 1pm. Voting Day is scheduled for 9 September, from 8am to 3pm. Results will be announced later that same day. There are a total of 39,775 voters, including 20,871 male and 18,902 female students. More Posts in 2025 DUCSU Polls: This year’s DUCSU election will feature 28 positions, up from 25 in the 2019 polls, in response to growing demands from student organisations. The newly added posts include Research and Publications Secretary, Career Development Secretary, Health and Environment Secretary, Human Rights and Legal Affairs Secretary The last DUCSU election was held on 11 March 2019, after a 28-year gap. In that election, Nurul Haque Nur was elected Vice President, Golam Rabbani as General Secretary, and Saddam Hossain as Assistant General Secretary.

The much-sought elections to Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) will be held on September 9 next. Chief Returning Officer of Ducsu Election Commission Prof Dr Md Mahfuzur Rahman made the announcement at a press conference at the university’s Senate Building. According to the commission, the voting will take place from 8am to 3pm on the day. DU ramps up security, plans search operations ahead of DUCSU polls Vote counting will begin immediately after the polling ends and results will be announced later that day from the Senate Building’s conference room. Results for Hall Union elections will be declared from the respective dormitories. Nomination papers can be collected between August 12 and 18 from 10am to 4pm while the last date for submission is August 19 by 3pm. The scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted on August 20 with the preliminary list of candidates to be published at 1pm on August 21. The deadline for the withdrawal of candidacy is August 25 and the final list of candidates will be published at 4pm on August 26.

Islami Chhatra Shibir's Dhaka University branch held a press conference today at Modhur Canteen, demanding immediate scheduling of the DUCSU election, justice for the murder of their fellow student Shahriar Alam Shammo’s murder and assurances regarding security on the campus. The organization warned of a strict program along with general students if a clear roadmap for the DUCSU election is not announced soon. SM Farhad, the president of DU Shibir, read out a written speech at the conference. He said that the DUCSU is a platform which aims to ensure students’ legal delegation, demands, needs and basic rights. Students’ expectation from the new administration after the fall of fascism was the DUCSU election, one of nine demands. But, unfortunately the administration is going too slow. Secretariat employees suspend Wednesday’s protests after meeting   “If the DUCSU election roadmap is not announced immediately, DU Chhatra Shibir along with students will hold a strict program to ensure students’ demands are heard," he said. “We also hope that the administration will take visible and effective measures to build a safe campus," said Farhad. They also demanded justice for the murder of Shammo, a student of DU and leader of Chhatra Dal. “We want to know why Shammo was killed and who is behind this. The facts must be unveiled and the involved must be tried”, he added. However, SM Farhad and secretary general Mohiuddin Khan expressed gratitude as SC has acquitted Jamat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam. Meanwhile, a group of leaders from leftist student organizations held a protest rally at around 4.30pm from Madhur canteen against the verdict of SC regarding ATM Azharul, accusing him of  being a Razakar during the Liberation War of 1971.

If the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election is organized within June of this year, it will be most peaceful and acceptable—this is the opinion of a large majority of students of the University. In a survey conducted by the "Advisory Committee" formed by the Dhaka University administration to successfully organize the DUCSU and hall union elections, students have expressed this opinion. Dhaka University’s ICT Cell started this survey on March 23. The results of the survey were submitted to the Advisory Committee on April 6. DU students call for DUCSU electionsIn the survey, 1,743 students of the university participated by answering 8 questions through their respective institutional emails. Out of the participants, 1,307 students (74.9%) have given their opinion in favor of organizing the DUCSU election within the next 3 months. Of the rest, 279 students (16%) said that if the DUCSU election is held within the next 6 months, it will be peaceful and acceptable. Another 95 students have given their opinion in favor of holding the DUCSU election within one year.And 62 students think that if the DUCSU election is held after more than one year, it will be peaceful and acceptable. Some 1,266 students who participated in the survey think the DUCSU election is extremely necessary, while just 31 students think it is completely unnecessary. To ensure a peaceful and neutral DUCSU election, 903 students (51.8%) have given their opinion that ensuring strict security measures from the administration is the most important step. Some 309 students (17.5%) have expressed their opinion in favor of making voting and counting fully digital. In response to the question, "Where can polling centers be set up to make the DUCSU election free and fair"—860 students (49.3%) have given their opinion in favor of setting up polling centers in some pre-selected academic buildings (such as Curzon Hall, Social Sciences Building, Arts Building). Some 394 students (22.6%) have given their opinion in favor of setting up polling centers both in halls and academic buildings. Another 305 students (17.5%) are in favor of setting up polling centers in residential halls. As many as 725 students (41.6%) are in favor of allowing anyone to be a candidate who will have at least one year of valid studentship from the day of nomination submission. In addition, students have also mentioned in the survey the need for conditions like having a minimum CGPA for candidacy, setting an age limit, and provisions that candidates should not be accused of certain specific crimes including criminal offenses. For forming a fair and neutral Election Commission, a majority (1,033 students) have suggested that students and teachers jointly determine the commission.  

As we turn the calendar to usher in 2021, teachers and students of Dhaka University share their hopes and demands for the new year with UNB.